James 2:24 KJV [24] “Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.” D.L. Moody said, “Every Bible should be bound in shoe leather”. This statement had nothing to do with Moody’s past as a shoe salesman, but it was about his devotion to the Lord. Like Abraham of old, he was not saved by faith plus works but by faith that worked! Faith will produce obedience in the life of a believer. The works they do will reveal their faith. I once knew a man who was a drunkard. He beat …
“The Friend of God”
James 2:23 KJV [23] “And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.” The Lord has a lot of children, but He has only a few friends, and Abraham was one of those friends. Exodus 33:11 tells us that Moses was one of His friends. Our verse today takes us back to the covenant that God made with Abraham. He promised that from his seed would come a great nation. Abraham believed God’s promise, and it was counted to him for righteousness. …
“Partners Together”
James 2:22 KJV [22] “Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?” We know that salvation does not come by works. Christ completed our salvation and finished the work at Calvary. However, faith and works are partners together. James teaches this in our verse today. He has been using the life of Abraham to illustrate the great truth of a dynamic faith. You see, a dead faith produces nothing. It may touch a man’s intellect but never moves his heart. Then there is a demonic faith that touches the emotions. We have …
“Is Your Isaac on the Altar”
James 2:21 KJV [21] “Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?” When Abraham offered up his son Isaac on the altar, it revealed his faith in God. The offering of Isaac also revealed Abraham’s worship, willingness, and witness. Saying goodbye to his father was one thing but saying goodbye to his son was another. We see several surrenders in the life of Abraham, all of them leading up to this great quest. The offering of Isaac was the ultimate and complete surrender of this great patriarch. The …